November 2022

Millions of people across the UK are struggling to afford eye care due to the cost of living crisis, industry experts have said. They're now urging the Government to increase the amount people can get to cover the cost of glasses and contact lenses. Here's what you need to know, plus the support available.

If you get a text message from the Metropolitan Police in the next 48 hours asking for help fighting fraud, don't ignore it. The organisation is sending text messages to 70,000 people who may have been targeted by fraudsters using a sophisticated online tool to spoof the phone numbers of legitimate companies such as banks. 

With energy bills almost doubling this winter and looking set to rise again by more than 40% next year, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis takes a detailed look at the current situation and how much higher bills might climb in 2023. Martin also runs through the crucial financial help available in the latest episode of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show Live (watch the full episode).

If you've secured a mortgage rate, but that deal hasn't yet started, it's worth checking now if you can get a cheaper rate, as many offered on new mortgages are now lower than they have been in the last few weeks. Most lenders won't charge you a fee to cancel, and a cheaper deal could save you £100s. 

Energy suppliers have been told to do more to help support vulnerable customers this winter by the energy regulator. Improvements called for include demonstrating more clearly how pre-payment customers, who may be self-disconnecting, are identified and supported. 

Motorists are missing out on cheaper petrol because major supermarkets, which are the UK's biggest fuel retailers, aren't lowering their forecourt prices to reflect far lower wholesale costs, according to motoring organisation the RAC.

Santander has today launched its new 'Edge' current account as a replacement to its popular 123 Lite account. Edge gives 1% cashback on household bills, supermarket and travel spending, and comes with a linked savings account paying 4% interest on up to £4,000. Here's how it works, how the cashback offer adds up and how it compares with other banks' accounts.  

Hundreds of thousands of households in England and Wales could be eligible for up to 90% off their water bill by switching to a discounted tariff provided by their supplier. If you're struggling, we've rounded up below what each supplier has to offer and how to check if you're eligible and apply. 

More homeowners who are struggling with mortgage repayments will be eligible for state support from next year, the Government has announced. From spring 2023, access to the 'support for mortgage interest' scheme will be expanded – meaning you might be able to get help covering the interest element of your mortgage repayments if you're struggling.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today (17 November) announced tax changes, state pension rises and further cost of living help. The measures come as part of today's Autumn Statement, which also contains major changes to the Government's energy support package. Below we analyse what's changing – you can also watch MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis's instant reaction.